‘He Was A Forthright Traditional Ruler’

LAGOS State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode has commiserated with the family, friends, associates, subjects and the government and people of Osun over the transition of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Olubuse Sijuwade II, saying the nation has lost a rare gem.

In a condolence message signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Habib Aruna, the Governor said the late first class monarch would be sorely missed for his fatherly role and advice.

Extolling the virtues of the late Ooni, Ambode recalled that he used his wealth of experience in tradition and commerce to better the lot of the Yoruba race. “Without any iota of doubt, Oba Sijuwade was a forthright traditional ruler and astute business man who for decades helped to pursue and unite the common interests of the Yoruba race.

His timely interventions in communal and inter-state disputes in the past are remarkable strides that will forever remain in our minds,” he said.

Ambode said the leadership role of the late Oba would remain an inspiration to all, stressing that one of his virtues as a leader was his ability to take responsibility and be responsible for others.

Among other virtues, the Ooni dedicated himself to the service of the nation and as long as we are alive, we must remember him for many things — his peace loving nature, candidness and belief that there is hope that Nigeria’s challenges will be surmounted in the nearest future,” he added.

He prayed that Almighty God grants the late Ooni’s soul peaceful repose and his family the fortitude to bear the irreparable, urging them to take solace in the fact that he lived a fulfilled life and has left behind a worthy legacy for his successor.